FEAR is the foundation of most governments; but is so sordid and brutal a passion, and renders men, in whose breasts it predominates, so stupid, and miserable, that Americans will not be likely to approve of any political institution which is founded on it.

John Adams (1735–1826) American lawyer, Founding Father, statesman, US President (1797–1801)

Letter (1776-04) to George Wythe, “Thoughts on Government”
    (Source)

This is taken from the printed edition of the influential essay, believed to be from the version Adams sent to George Wythe of Virginia.